Potent tear gas used in Syrian chemical attack

THE substance used in an alleged chemical attack in Syria last week was a “super-strength tear gas” of the type employed for riot control rather than a nerve agent, according to preliminary inquiries by British scientists.

The Porton Down military research centre in Wiltshire is analysing soil samples recovered from the scene by MI6.

The initial conclusion was reached from images of the victims. Syrian rebels and the regime of President Bashar al-Assad have blamed each other for the attack in which up to 30 people died and more than 80 were injured.

The incident, described by investigators as a “chemical event”, has raised fears of a serious escalation in the two-year conflict.

President Barack Obama said during his Middle East visit last week that he was sceptical about claims that the rebels were responsible but promised to investigate. The use of chemical weapons would prove a “game changer” for